説明
Antique Japanese Sword Katana Attributed to Den Ayanokoji with
Tokubetsu Hozon
Certificate
【Description】
Summary
This blade is attributed to Den Ayanokoji (伝綾小路), a prestigious school, being active from the late Kamakura period in Yamashiro Province. Ayanokoji is part of the Yamashiro tradition and traces its origins to Ayanokoji Sadatoshi (綾小路定利), who flourished around the Bun-Ei era (1264-1275). The school was based in Kyo Shijo’s Ayanokoji district, which made this school known for Ayanokoji.
Prominent swordsmiths of this school include Sadatoshi, as well as Kuninobu (国信), Sadatsuna (定業), Sadatsugu (定次), Sadaie (定家), and Sadayasu (定安). The craftsmanship of Ayanokoji is characterized by refined and elegant workmanship, reminiscent of the Awataguchi school. T
It is said that Sadatoshi had a close relationship with Rai Kunitoshi (来国行), exchanging techniques and even forging swords for one another. The Ayanokoji school played a crucial role in the development of Yamashiro swordmaking, following in the footsteps of the famed Awataguchi and preceding the renowned Rai school.
Yamashiro province was famous for its sword making style called YAMASHIRO-DEN. YAMASHIRO-DEN’s origin dates back to the Heian period(794 A.D), when the capital city was moved from Nara to Kyoto. The swordsmiths in Yamashiro province initially prospered by forging swords for court nobles and imperial families. Later on, they also forged swords for feudal lords after Samurai military government took control of Japan. There are so many renowned swordsmiths from this region.
It is said that the founder of YAMASHIRO-DEN was Sanjo Munechika. And there are seven prestigious schools in this region. One of them is Rai school, where Kunimitsu belonged. Rai school and Aawataguchi school are the most prestigious ones among YAMASHIRO-DEN.
One of the most characteristics of YAMASHIRO-DEN is its elegant design and beautiful Jigane. This blade represents a little trait of YAMASHIRO-DEN.
It is appraised as a
Tokubetsu Hozon Token
(特別保存刀剣) issued by NBTHK (Nihon Bijutsu Touken Hozon Kyokai:日本美術刀剣保存協会). This authentication paper was only given to authentic Japanese swords, especially well preserved and high quality with artistic value.avex
*Please keep in mind that there are a couple of minor Kitae Kizu on this blade. If you like to know the detailed condition, please feel free to contact us.
【 Blade】
Cutting Edge Length(Nagasa)
:
71.1 cm (27.9inches)
Curvature(Sori)
:
2
.2 cm (0.86 inches)
Hamon
:
The crystalline structure which forms along the cutting edge of a blade as a result of the hardening process
Jimon(Jihada)
:
visible steel surface pattern created by folding and hammering during forging process
Kissaki
:
Kissaki is the tip of the Japanese sword.
Nakago
:
Nakago is the tang of the Japanese sword.
Japanese swordsmiths left the black rust on the tang because it prevents red rust while the tang is in its handle. And the discoloration of the tang was created over time, and it is a great indicator for a Japanese sword specialist to estimate when the sword was forged.
Koshirae
:
Koshirae is the mounting of the Japanese sword. There are several parts that consist of Koshirae such as Saya(Scabbard), Tsuka(Handle), Tsuba(Handguard).
Fuchi-Kashira
:
A pair of matching sword fittings that cover the upper and bottom parts of its sword hilt.
The design of this Fuchi-Kashira features the Karakusa (唐草) pattern, a traditional Japanese motif symbolizing good fortune (吉祥, Kisshō). Introduced from China via the Silk Road, Karakusa has been widely used in Japanese crafts, including sword fittings.
This continuous vine pattern represents longevity, prosperity, and the unbroken lineage of samurai families. It was also believed to ward off evil and bring protection, making it a favored design for Samurai.
Tsuka and Menuki
:
Tsuka is the handle of the Japanese sword and Menuki is its decoration.
*Please keep in mind that the Tsuka Maki (thread on the handle) is quite aged. If you like to ha